Cyperus care at home, propagation, transplantation. Main types of Cyperus: care at home

My friend is an experienced florist. Recently I came to visit her and saw a very original plant. I asked what it was called, she answered: cyperus or rosemary. I'm interested in Cyperus, I'm going to grow it from seeds.

In this article I will tell you what I learned from my friend. It turns out that cyperus does not suffer from exposure to the scorching sun; it disinfects the air and fills the house with positive energy. I present to your attention a photo of a bush.

Cyperus belongs to the sedge family and grows in the tropics and subtropics. Cyperus is often compared to reeds; it is popularly called rush. The plant includes more than 500 species, among them the endangered one - the one that was used to create papyrus.

Cyperus is an amateur plant; you will not find it in a flower shop. However, if you want to add a touch of originality to your interior, think about growing this crop.

Russet, growing in natural conditions, reaches a height of 2.5 m. It is distinguished by rich green triangular stems with whorls at the top.

Gardeners cultivate not only monochromatic, non-variegated varieties of Cyperus. The flowers of this perennial are inconspicuous and located near the leaves.

Features of cultivation

Sitovnik does not make high demands on living conditions. Among the advantages, it is worth highlighting its shade tolerance.

Cyperus can be grown at home or near artificial mini-ponds. In order for it to grow well, you need to add water moderately. I recommend feeding the plant. When it receives nutrients, it will grow foliage more actively.

The cyperus flower tolerates direct sunlight normally, but it is better to ensure that it receives diffused light. I advise you to place the plant in the western or eastern part of the house.

If you place it in the south, you will have to shade it in the summer. In hot weather, it is better to take the rosemary out into the yard. In autumn, winter and spring, perennials should not be in drafts.

Requirements for lighting and humidity levels, fertilization

Sitovnik takes root in a house with a high level of humidity. In winter, it should be kept at a temperature of + 12 degrees (can be taken out to an unheated veranda). The peculiarity of Cyperus is that it is moisture-loving.

If you are growing a perennial in a pot, keep it on a tray with moistened expanded clay. Some types of plants are kept in water. I recommend watering the rosemary abundantly. Don't let the soil dry out!

If you keep Cyperus in a cool room in winter, reduce watering. Remember that this perennial is moisture-loving. Its leaves must receive enough water and air. I recommend spraying them once every 2-3 days. In winter, you don’t have to give the plant a shower. At this time of year, you need to keep it away from heating appliances.

In winter, other ornamental crops have a dormant period, but Cyperus grows constantly. Fertilizers can also be applied in November, January, and February. From the beginning of March to June, I recommend feeding the plant with complex preparations. Apply useful ingredients once every 14 days. From the beginning of December to the end of February, 3 feedings are required.

Transplanting a plant

Sitovnik can be picked at any time of the year; I recommend carrying out the procedure in early March. Before replanting a perennial, you need to make sure that it is cramped in its pot. If the roots make their way through the soil, then the Cyperus zumula is asking for a larger container.

The soil for the plant should be:

• neutral;
• loose;
• fertile.

I recommend preparing the substrate yourself: mix humus and marsh soil in equal proportions. Before planting or replanting a plant, place drainage on the bottom of the pot (the optimal layer thickness is 5 cm). The perennial is replanted together with a clod of earth.

It is important not to injure the root system! Place the plant in a drainage area and gradually add potting soil mixture.

Reproduction methods

Some gardeners propagate Cyperus by seeds, others by cuttings or root shoots. If cyperus-papyrus is chosen for planting, use seeds or divide the bush. Let's consider generative reproduction. The rosemary requires sunlight. I recommend sowing it when the daylight hours are long.

For planting, select boxes or pots filled with a soil mixture of peat and leaf soil taken in equal proportions (you can add a small amount of sand).

Planting material is not embedded in the soil mixture, but placed on the surface, pressing lightly. I recommend keeping the crops under film or glass. Seeds germinate well at a temperature of + 19 degrees. I advise you to water and ventilate them every day.

If condensation forms on the glass, be sure to remove it. After a while you will see seedlings, plant them in separate pots (use the same soil mixture).

Seedlings are cared for in the same way as adult bushes. If you want to preserve the varietal qualities of the rosemary, practice another method of propagation.

Let's consider dividing the bush. To propagate in this way, you need to take an adult plant; it must be at least 2 years old. Carefully divide the rhizome and plant the sections in different pots.

The rosette can be propagated using leaf rosettes. It is necessary to cut them so that on one piece there are several shoots 4-6 cm in size.

Planting material must be planted in sand. The rosette quickly turns into a full-fledged plant if kept at a temperature of + 20 degrees.

Some gardeners propagate cyperus from apical cuttings. Planting material is prepared in early spring: the leaves are shortened by half, the cuttings determine the water. After a few days, the cuttings form roots. At this time, they are planted in separate containers.

Care at home, reproduction will not take up much of your time! To make the plant comfortable at home, add water moderately, and do not forget to shade it. I note that cyperus goes well with flowering shrubs.

The genus Cyperus, belonging to the sedge family, has more than 600 species. The island of Madagascar and the tropical part of Africa are considered the homeland of these plants. Under natural conditions, Cyperus grows on the banks of rivers, swamps and lakes in proximity and contact with water, forming entire thickets.

General information

Once in Europe in the 18th century, it quickly gained popularity due to its unpretentiousness and unique elegant appearance. Cyperus is also known under the names syt, venus grass and sedge alternate-leaved.

Cyperus are perennial evergreen herbaceous plants with erect, triangular, reed-like stems. The apex of each stem is crowned with an umbellate whorl consisting of sessile linear leaves. Depending on the type of plant, the leaves may be light green, dark green, or even two-colored.

These moisture-loving plants are widely used to decorate fountains, aquariums, artificial waterfalls, and water winter gardens. In indoor culture, Cyperus can decorate any green corner and give it a tropical look.

Since cyperus grows almost in water, it evaporates a lot of moisture, saturating its air, which has a beneficial effect on neighboring plants.

Types and varieties of Cyperus

Despite the huge number of Cyperus species, only a few of them are bred at home and in greenhouses.

or Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus L.) is one of the most ancient species. It is known for the fact that papyrus was made from it in Ancient Egypt, as well as baskets and mats were woven, and even boats were built.

This cyperus is widespread in the wild in the swamps of Ethiopia and Egypt. It is not grown at home due to its large size - the plant reaches a height of up to 3 meters.

In cultivation it is found in greenhouses. The stem of papyrus is erect and strong, ending in a dense whorl of long, hanging leaves. Multi-flowered inflorescences on thin stalks appear from the leaf axils.

or alternate-leaved (C. alternifolius L.) - is the most common in cultivated cultivation. This species is distributed along swampy river banks on the island of Madagascar.

The plant is perennial, herbaceous, up to 1.7 meters tall. The stem of this cyperus is also erect, and at the top it has an umbrella-shaped crown. The leaves are narrow, linear, drooping, up to 25 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide. Flowers, collected in small panicles, appear in the axils of the leaves.

There are garden varieties of this cyperus:

"Gracilis" – distinguished by its compactness and narrower leaves;

"Variegatus" – has leaves and stems that are white or mottled with white stripes.

(C. diffusus Vahl.) - a plant up to 90 cm high, with numerous long and wide basal leaves. In the upper part the leaves are narrower, collected in umbrellas of 6-12 pieces.

Cyperus care at home

Cyperus is one of the plants that can be easily cared for at home.

The tropical beauty can tolerate shading, but still it prefers bright, diffused light. It easily tolerates direct sunlight and only needs protection from it in summer. When choosing a location for a plant, it is better to give preference to south or west windows.

It can also be kept under artificial lighting. In this case, fluorescent lamps are used, which are turned on for 16 hours a day.

The optimal temperature in summer is 18-20 degrees above zero. In winter, it is permissible to keep the plant at a lower temperature, but it should not drop below 10°C. Cyperus needs a continuous flow of fresh air, so it is necessary to ventilate the room frequently. In summer, it may be kept on balconies or in gardens.

Cyperus does not have a dormant period, so when caring for the plant it is fed all year round. In the spring-summer period, ordinary complex fertilizer is applied once every 2-3 weeks, and in winter - once a month.

Over time, the stems become old, turn yellow and die. Such stems must be cut off, after which the plant begins to renew itself. Variegated forms can sometimes lose their variegation and become green. Such shoots are removed immediately when they appear.

Cyperus watering and air humidity

Cyperus loves moisture very much. An important condition its growth and development is constant moisture of the roots. To ensure this, the pot with the plant is placed in a deep tray or flowerpot with water, so that the water slightly covers the pot. Watering is carried out constantly and abundantly, making sure that the soil does not dry out. To do this, use soft, settled water. In winter, watering is reduced.

Constant spraying of the leaves is also necessary. In winter, it is also carried out less frequently and the plant is placed away from heating devices to prevent the leaves from drying out.

Cyperus transplant

Cyperus is replanted at any time of the year as needed. The substrate is nutritious, slightly acidic with a pH of 5-6.5. To prepare the mixture for planting, take equal amounts of humus and peat soil with the addition of marsh silt in the amount of 1/6 of the total mass.

The pots are selected high and filled ¼ full with drainage and then with prepared soil. If the pots will be immersed in water, then cover the ground with a layer of sand on top.

Cyperus growing from seeds

The seeds are sown finely in bowls, which are filled with a mixture consisting of peat, leaf soil and sand in a 2:2:1 ratio. The bowls are covered with glass or a bag to maintain constant soil moisture. Ventilate daily and water as needed. The temperature is maintained above 18 degrees.

Grown seedlings are planted in groups of 3 in small pots in the ground of the same composition as for seeds. Young plants are watered abundantly and protected from direct sunlight. When the plants grow up, they are planted in 9-centimeter pots. The substrate is prepared from turf, peat soil and sand, taken in a ratio of 2:1:1.

Cyperus propagation by cuttings, rosettes and rhizome division

For propagation by cuttings, you should choose tops with leaves of dormant buds in the rosette. Cut off the rosette along with 5-8 cm of the stem. Plant it in sand or light soil, turning it upside down, pressing the middle of the rosette into the soil and sprinkling it a little. At the point of contact with the ground, the cuttings will eventually sprout.

Under natural conditions, to reproduce, Cyperus leans towards the water, takes root there, the stem of the mother plant dies and a new plant is formed. This method can also be used at home when propagating Cyperus. To do this, tilt the apical rosette and lower it into a container of water, secure it without separating it from the plant. After the roots have formed, they are separated and planted in the ground.

During transplantation, the plant can be propagated by dividing the rhizome. Cyperus plants over 2 years old are suitable for this method. Carefully divide the bush with a knife, while trying not to sprinkle the earthen lump. Each newly formed part must consist of three or more shoots.

Pests and possible difficulties

• Browned leaf tips – a sign of excessive dry air.
• When leaves lose color and acquire yellowness — the plant needs to be fed, as these changes indicate a lack of minerals.

Cyperus is quite resistant to pest damage. If the air is too dry, spider mites may appear.

Cyperus is a moisture-loving tropical plant of the Sedge family. It is often grown indoors, and in nature it can be found in Africa and on the island of Madagascar in swampy places and along the banks of reservoirs. Dense umbrellas of long, narrow and flat leaves are located on single erect stems. The plant blooms with small and unremarkable inflorescences of a yellowish tint.

In its homeland, the plant can reach 3–4 m in height, but at home it rarely grows more than 1.5 m.

In nature there are more than 6 hundred different types Cyperus, but few have taken root in indoor culture.

The most common types:

• Cyperus spreading. Maximum height – 60 cm. Forms a lush, compact and spreading dark green bush.
• Cyperus alternate-leaved. Capable of growing up to 1.5 m. The leaves are narrow and long. In conditions that are comfortable for it, it can even bloom. Breeders have developed several varieties of this herbaceous perennial with variegated leaves.
• Cyperus papyrus. Quite demanding to care for. It grows up to 2 m. It has thick fleshy stems and thin leaves, shaped like thick and lush panicles.
• Cyperus Helfera. Most often used to decorate aquariums. Dense panicles of long, soft leaves in the water look very impressive.

The nuances of growing Cyperus

This plant is very unpretentious, the main thing is that the soil is always moist. For this reason, it is even recommended to place the pot with the plant in another container filled with water so that the flower receives a sufficient amount of moisture.

There is no need to be afraid of waterlogging; this is a swamp plant and it is not in danger of rotting its roots.

Cyperus or sythus, as it is also called, prefers to grow in a well-lit place, but easily adapts to partial shade. The optimal temperature varies from +18 to +25 degrees. When the temperature drops significantly, plant growth and development slow down. Too low temperatures combined with high humidity can cause root rot.

In summer, the flower feels great outdoors under the shade of trees. The scorching midday rays can scorch the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or fall off. Cyperus can be used to decorate a pond by partially immersing it in water or digging it into the ground.

Houseplant propagation

Cyperus flowers can be propagated in several ways:

• apical cuttings:
• seeds;
• dividing the bush.

When transplanting, an overgrown bush can be divided into several parts and each transplanted into a new container. Old bushes produce many basal shoots, each of which has a full-fledged root and is capable of independent life.

Reproduction using apical cuttings has its own characteristics.

1. The umbrellas are cut off, leaving about 5–6 cm of the stem, and placed “head down” in a container of water or wet sand.
2. After about 12 - 14 days, white roots appear at the base of the umbrella, after which the cyperus is transplanted into a new pot.
3. Soon the sprouted cutting produces young green shoots.

There is an easier way. You can simply tilt one of the stems into a jar of water and secure it. When roots appear at the base of the umbrella, the stem is cut and the seedling is transplanted into another pot.

You can also propagate the plant by seeds, collecting them yourself or buying them in a store. They are sown in a prepared box with a substrate of peat and sand and covered with glass. The soil should be moist and not dry out. You only need to water the seedlings with warm water.

Home care

Since it loves high air humidity, it needs to be sprayed frequently with a spray bottle. This is especially true during the heating period, when the air in apartments is very dry. The soil should not dry out, so the flower is often kept partially submerged in water.

If there is an aquarium in the house, it is better to place Cyperus near it.

In spring and summer, the plant needs to be fed every 2 weeks with regular fertilizers for indoor flowers. In winter, 1 feeding per month is enough.

Cyperus transplantation and soil selection

Since the plant grows very quickly, it is advisable to replant the plant annually so that it does not lose its decorative look. If the cyperus is not replanted for a long time, the stems will turn yellow and the number of leaves will decrease. It is better to replant in the spring, in March, and the new pot should not be much larger than the previous one.

Transplantation is carried out using the transshipment method, carefully removing the earthen lump, wrapped in rhizomes, from the old pot. There is no need to clear the old soil.

You can prepare the soil for replanting yourself by taking 1 part each of clay-turf and leaf soil, sand and 2 parts peat. Some gardeners recommend adding a little swamp mud. Since Cyperus grows well in flooded soils, it does not need drainage. This crop can also be grown hydroponically.

Disease and pest control

Indoor cyperus rarely suffers from pests. Sometimes, due to excessive dry air, spider mites may appear on the leaves.

Dry air can also cause leaf tips to dry out. To prevent this, the plant must be sprayed frequently and regularly.

If the leaves become too light and lose color, this indicates that the cyperus is growing too quickly and does not have enough nutrients. The plant urgently needs to be fed.

Signs and superstitions, the use of cyperus

It is believed that this plant improves the emotional background in the home by absorbing negative energy. In addition, he is able to develop a thirst for knowledge, lift his spirits and cope with depression.

It is often recommended to place cyperus in the bedroom. It destroys harmful microbes, purifies the air, normalizes sleep, calms nervous system. That's why best plant for people suffering from sleep disorders cannot be found.

Cyperus – beautiful and unpretentious indoor plant. By providing him with a minimum of comfortable conditions, you can constantly admire the abundance of lush tropical greenery in the house.

Cyperus is a herbaceous evergreen plant from the sedge family. It has many other names. It is often called Sytya, Papyrus, Sitovnik, Sedge alternate-leaved and even Venus grass. In the UK it is called the "umbrella plant" because its leaves resemble an open umbrella. With its spectacular appearance, Cyperus decorates many corners of homes and offices, clinics and kindergartens, workshops of industrial enterprises and shop windows. With the help of Cyperus, you can organize green thickets on your balcony or terrace, swaying in the wind. In addition, Cyperus is a very useful flower. It perfectly moisturizes dry air and is a natural “vacuum cleaner”. Next, we will talk in detail about caring for Cyperus at home, and also describe all the methods of propagating this flower.

The island of Madagascar and the tropical forests of Africa are considered the homeland of Cyperus. For its love of ponds and constantly moist soil, in Egyptian folklore the flower was called “gift of the river.” This plant is found both in America and in Eurasia along the banks of rivers, lakes and swamps in close proximity to water and in water, where it forms impenetrable thickets. Cyperus was brought to Europe in the 18th century, and it began to be grown indoors in the 80s of the last century. Sitovnik quickly gained popularity due to its unique elegant appearance (looks like a dill umbrella or a small grassy palm) and ease of care.

In our country, such relatives of Cyperus are known as Kamysh, Sedge and Sitnyag.

Description of the plant

IN wildlife some species of Cyperus grow up to five meters, forming dense, impenetrable thickets (at home they are much more modest - from 50 to 100 cm.) The root of Papyrus is located on the surface of the soil. It is long and creeping. Sometimes, instead of a root, spindle-shaped processes grow, which perform the function of a root and extract nutrients from the soil. The type of root depends on the species diversity, this should be taken into account when selecting suitable soil for the plant. Cyperus species with short roots are suitable for indoor growing in a pot or flowerpot.

Papyrus has long, bright green, flowering stems. Over time, they age, become yellowish and die. Such stems should be cut off in time so that new ones begin to appear in their place. The tops of the stems end in rosettes of whorled thin leaves.

Linear leaves open in the form of umbrellas. They vary in length and are unevenly distributed. The result is a kind of sun rays that give the flower volume.

The color of the plant is heterogeneous. It ranges from dark green to light green. The leaves are even two-colored. Sometimes there are white and brown strokes.

Bloom

Cyperus is a flowering plant. Peduncles are triangular in shape. They are erect, but flexible, so they do not break under the pressure of the wind. Small, inconspicuous flowers of Cyperus are arranged singly or in a rosette. They are pale green, light brown or milky in color. Most often, flowering is observed in the summer, in June or July, but some varieties bloom throughout the summer until mid-autumn. After flowering, small fruits appear - nuts or spikelets of a brownish color. Pollination occurs due to wind - fine pollen is quickly carried by the wind to nearby plants.

Signs and superstitions

It is believed that Cyperus species with multi-level stems and umbrellas of leaves, similar to a waterfall, attract positive energy into the house, which keeps the owner and his family active and cheerful, and helps them overcome difficult problems. We recommend that those who have schoolchildren, students and scientists in their families get this flower. The energy of the flower will help them cope with educational and mental stress, and humidifying dry air and increasing the release of oxygen will make the brain more active.

Benefits and Applications

Cyperus Helfera in an aquarium

These moisture-loving plants are widely used to decorate aquariums, artificial waterfalls, and winter water gardens. In home spaces, it can decorate any green corner and give it a tropical look. Since Cyperus grows almost in water, it evaporates a lot of moisture, saturating the surrounding air with it, which has a beneficial effect on the plants adjacent to it and, in general, on the microclimate in the room.

It is interesting that from the stems of Cyperus Papyrus in Ancient Egypt they built papyrus boats, wove baskets and mats, made ropes and wove sandals. Papyrus was made by pressing the stems of the plant together. The first paper was also made from papyrus. Many ancient monoliths preserved parts of papyrus books. Now the Cyperus plant is listed in the Red Book as an endangered species.

The rhizome of the plant in South Africa is used as food - added to first and second courses, in salads, and in drinks.

Cyperus is also a medicinal plant. Decoctions from the leaves and stems of a living plant help with headaches and insomnia. Drinking on an empty stomach, this drink normalizes blood pressure and accelerates metabolic processes in the body. With its help you can restore your vision. The taste of the decoction is herbaceous, but without bitterness and with a pleasant aroma. If you add honey to it, the drink can treat stomach pain.

Cyperus leaves are to the taste of cats and parrots. They simply have an irresistible craving for this flower. By the way, it is not poisonous and does not harm pets. But they are very big for him. If you don’t keep track, the flower will be gnawed beyond recognition.

Due to its creeping and rapid growth, the flower is considered a weed in its homeland. When growing cultivated plants, it is weeded out like a weed.

Types and varieties

Cyperus is a large genus of about 600 plant species found throughout the world. But, only some of them are used in indoor floriculture. We will introduce you to the most popular indoor specimens of Cyperus.

Papyrus

Cyperus papyrus L.

Papyrus is common in the swamps of Egypt and Ethiopia. Reaches a height of three meters. The erect and strong stem of the flower ends in a dense whorl of long hanging leaves, from the axils of which multi-flowered inflorescences appear on thin stalks. In cultivation, due to its large size, it is grown in tubs and mainly in greenhouses.

Helfera

Cyperus Helfera has low stems, up to 0.5 m in height. It grows in water, so it is often grown in aquariums and paludariums (this is a transparent tank with an artificially created semi-aquatic habitat for keeping aquatic, including swamp and coastal plants). Outdoors it is used for landscaping decorative ponds. Loves a slightly acidic substrate with a pH of 5–6.5.

Zumula

Cyperus Zumula

This species is a bit similar to Cyperus Helfera - the same tuft of grass blades growing straight from the damp ground and some palm-like leaves. But it grows in a pot. A very spectacular flower. Propagates well from seeds purchased in the store. But dangerous for pets.

Umbelliferous (Alternate-leaved)

Cyperus Umbrella or Alternate-leaved (C. alternifolius L.).

This is the most common type in indoor growing. It grows in nature on the island of Madagascar along the banks of swampy rivers and lakes. It grows up to 1.7 m in height. The stem is triangular, erect, with an umbrella crown of leaves at the top. The leaves are narrow, linear, drooping, resembling belts. Their length is about 25-30 cm. Flowers appear in the axils of the leaves, collected in small panicles. Easily propagated by dividing the bush, umbrellas and seeds.

There are garden varieties of Cyperus Umbrella:

Cyperus "Gracilis"– distinguished by its compactness and narrower leaves.

Cyperus "Variegatus"– has leaves and stems that are white or mottled with white stripes.

Spreading

Cyperus Spreading (C. diffusus Vahl.)- a smaller copy of a swamp palm. This species is the lowest of the Cyperus. Height is from 40 to 90 cm. The stems are few in number, but the plant has numerous basal long and wide leaves, due to which the bush looks lush. In the upper part the leaves are narrower, collected in umbrellas of 6-12 pieces. The flower is unpretentious in care, but requires constant high air humidity.

Caring for a plant at home

Growing Cyperus indoors is not difficult, and you can learn how to do it correctly. There would be a desire. We will help you with this.

Location and lighting

Cyperus does not like a lot of light. He prefers shady rooms, next to an artificial pond or aquarium. Then he will fill the room with freshness and cleanse it of dust. But it will not actively grow and bloom in complete darkness, but somewhere close to direct sunlight. If possible, take Cyperus outdoors for the summer. In winter it will decorate your home, and in summer it can decorate your garden. If it has a pond, even better. Near him, Cyperus will be in his usual environment. In this case, the flower pot can be placed directly in the water or buried in the ground not far from it.

In winter, the flower will lack natural light due to the short daylight hours, and you will have to provide additional, artificial lighting for it using a phytolamp or fluorescent lamp for up to 14 hours a day.

Spacious eastern or western window sills are well suited for flowers. On the south side of the apartment, the pot is placed away from the window so that the light is bright but diffused.

Cyperus loves fresh air and is not afraid of drafts. Ventilate the room, then you will see how its thin stems with thread-like umbrella leaves begin to move from the slightest breeze (an open vent, window, fan, air conditioner), captivating the eye with its unique lightness and unusual appearance.

Air temperature

A comfortable temperature for Cyperus in the summer is considered to be the usual room temperature of 20 - 25 degrees. If the thermometer creeps higher, ventilate the room more often, spray the flower and the air in the room. A good solution would be to take the flower pot out into the fresh air, otherwise the heat may negatively affect the appearance of the flower.

In winter, in the wild, Cyperuses tolerate a short-term drop in temperature to zero degrees, but at home it is better not to lower the temperature below 14 degrees. Keep this in mind when ventilating your room in winter. It is better to remove the pot away from drafts and do not leave windows and vents open for a long time.

Air humidity

Cyperus is quite demanding in high humidity not only of the soil, but also of the surrounding air. Humidity of 65 - 75% is considered normal for it. But many indoor flowers will not like such humidity, so carefully select neighbors on the windowsill for papyrus.

You can maintain high air humidity using a household humidifier, if you have one, or using a spray bottle, which should be sprayed regularly over the entire plant. Loves flowers and bathing in the shower. Water treatments wash away dust from the leaves and stems, and the plant immediately comes to life after them. All kinds of water vessels and aquariums also help maintain high humidity levels. In winter, when heating devices are operating in the rooms, place the flower pot away from them and spray them regularly. You will understand that the flower lacks moisture by its leaves, the tips of which will begin to dry out and turn black.

Watering

Cyperus is a very moisture-loving plant due to the fact that in nature it grows in swamps and along river banks. With a lack of watering, the leaves immediately turn yellow and dry out. To keep the soil in the pot moist, the flower should be watered every day. There is no need to be afraid that the root system may rot from waterlogging - the soil should always be moist. It’s the same in nature - tropical downpours moisten the soil, and the scorching sun evaporates excess moisture.

Root rot can occur if the room temperature is extremely low. Then, until you adjust the temperature, drain the excess water from the pan.

A constant level of soil moisture can be maintained using bottom watering through a tray, from where the plant’s root system will take the required amount of water. It’s even better if the pan is so deep that the water level in it reaches the middle of the pot.

Now many people are interested in how to water cyperus in winter. In winter, when the room temperature drops, the flower will drink less. Watering should be reduced and removed from the tray with water, but still make sure that the soil in the pot does not dry out.

For irrigation, use settled tap water at room temperature, but it is even better if you stock up on rain or melt water.

If you need to leave home for several days and you are afraid of drying out the flower, we recommend that you place the pot in a deep basin or bucket of water

Another trick will help the flower last a long time without regular watering. Add a little soaked hydrogel to the soil. It is made from polymers specifically to retain moisture. Several grains of hydrogel absorb up to 100 ml of water and swell. The roots of Cyperus, penetrating the gel, receive moisture from there. If you saturate the hydrogel with mineral fertilizers in a small dose, then you will not only have to water, but also feed the flower less often.

Sowweed thrives when grown hydroponically. Sometimes pure hydrogel is used for this. And some species of Cyperus (for example, Helfera) are simply grown in indoor aquariums.

Top dressing

Cyperus responds gratefully to feeding during the entire growing season - from early spring to autumn. Complex fertilizers should include nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus minerals. It is better to buy liquid fertilizers for decorative deciduous indoor flowers in special stores. Feed Cyperus two to three times a month. In winter, if the flower stands in bright light and continues to produce its umbrellas, do not stop fertilizing, only do it once a month and reduce the single dose by half, since an excess of fertilizers for the plant is just as harmful as a deficiency.

Fertilizer application rules:

• follow the manufacturer’s dosage, as the formulations can be simple or concentrated;
• for young bushes, reduce the dose by half;
• Before adding the solution, water the soil well so as not to burn the roots;
• to avoid burns, make sure that the solution does not get on the greens;
• In spring, feed the flower with nitrogen-dominated fertilizers. They will accelerate the formation of green mass. Then apply fertilizers with potassium and phosphorus for the formation of inflorescences and lush flowering.

Transfer

Cyperus tolerates transplantation well, without compromising its growth, so it can be done at any time of the year. For example, an adult plant is replanted if the soil is completely depleted or when the pot has become too cramped. However, if you want the flower to become a real decoration of your home and not lose its decorative value for many years, do not let extreme cases and replant the plant every year.

We recommend you should replant Cyperus in early spring or late autumn, during periods when plant growth stops. Before transplanting, try to ensure stable temperature and humidity, then the flower will avoid stress.

Remove the plant from the pot and lightly shake off the old soil. If you see damaged roots, cut them off with a sharp, clean knife. Dust the cuts with crushed charcoal. If it is possible to rid the rhizome of all the old soil, do it. Then place the bush in a new pot of suitable size - not too spacious and wide. Fill in the new soil carefully, without damaging the roots.

Young bushes are transplanted annually into slightly larger flowerpots.

Pot

Cyperus has rather long, vine-like roots, so a deep pot is suitable for it. If you have a powerful plant that quickly produces new shoots, then the width of the pot should be such that the root system of the flower not only fits there, but also develops well.

Pebbles or expanded clay with sand 3–4 cm high are placed on the bottom with drainage holes. Pieces of charcoal, brick chips and crushed eggshells can be added to the drainage.

Priming

Growing in swamps and river banks, Cyperus does not have any special requirements for the composition and nutritional value of the soil. A mixture of peat, turf and humus soil, sand in equal quantities with the addition of dry grass and, preferably, swamp or river silt to ensure good moisture and breathability would be suitable for it. Then the water will bubble around the root system.

You can pick up ready-made soil in the store, suitable for moisture-loving indoor plants, with a pH from 5 to 8.5. Sawdust or dried tea leaves are usually poured on top of the soil for good air exchange. However, if you use immersion of a flower pot in water when watering, it is better to sprinkle a small layer of river sand on top. This will prevent the soil from being washed away.

Rest period

If Cyperus grows in favorable conditions, where it is warm, light and has a lot of moisture, then it does not require a pronounced period of rest.

Reproduction of Cyperus

There are many ways to propagate Cyperus: by dividing the bush, tubers, cuttings, rosettes and using seeds. The choice depends on the growing conditions, your desire, and the ability to purchase seed material or shoots. We will consider all methods of reproduction in order.

Dividing the bush

During the next transplant of a bush that is at least two years old, it can be divided into parts. Each part must have at least three shoots. Use a sharp, preferably disinfected knife. Treat the cut areas with ash or crushed charcoal (activated) charcoal. Try not to let the earthen ball crumble too much.

The resulting bushes should be immediately planted in prepared pots using suitable soil. In the future, provide them with watering and other favorable conditions. There is no need to feed in the first month.

Reproduction using tubers

Rhizomatous tubers can also be divided during the next transplantation of an adult Cyperus and each part can be used to obtain new plants. To do this, simply dig them into separate pots.

Propagation by cuttings

When cutting the stems in spring, you can get excellent cuttings for producing new Cyperus bushes. To do this, cut off the top of the stem under the last whorl node. Cut the leaves to two-thirds of the length. Place the cuttings obtained in this way in a container with sand, leaves down. Place the container in a warm, well-lit place with diffused light. Water thoroughly. Even if the cuttings dry out over time, young shoots will probably appear from the soil. This means there are roots too. After a month, transplant the bush into a new small pot.

You can also root the cuttings in water. Just immerse it in a container of water with the leaves facing down. When sufficiently strong roots appear, the cuttings can be transplanted into the substrate.

When the new plant begins to grow, transplant it into nutrient soil. Select the pot according to size.

Leaf rosettes

When Cyperus grows strongly, you will see that another rosette has formed in the center of the leaf rosette. This rosette can be plucked off so as to grab a part (5 - 8 cm) of the stem, and placed upside down in a container with warm (about 24 degrees) sand to take root. The middle of the socket should be pressed against the sand with something. Over time, roots will appear at the point of contact. Be sure to water, the sand should always be wet. The roots will appear soon. Wait a little until they get stronger and transplant the shoot into the prepared substrate.

Sometimes the socket is not pinched off, but is done as follows. Deflect the selected stem with a rosette towards the soil, secure it at the growing point and cover it with moist soil. Separate the seedling from the mother plant after roots appear.

In the wild, the stems of Cyperus, bent by the wind towards the water, take root there. The stem of the mother plant dies over time, and the new young plant takes root and begins to live its own life. This method of reproduction is also applicable at home. The leafy apical rosette, without being separated from the mother bush, is tilted towards the water and germinated there. Roots appear quickly. After they grow a little, separate the rosette and transplant it into a prepared pot.

Growing from seeds

This is the most labor-intensive but effective way to propagate Cyperus. First treat seeds purchased or received as a gift with a weak solution of manganese. Dry. Prepare a container with a lid, fill it with a mixture of sand and peat, and moisten it. Place the seeds on the surface of the substrate without deepening them. Close the lid. Maintain a constant temperature in the greenhouse of at least 20 degrees. and high humidity. If necessary, ventilate and moisten with a fine spray bottle of warm water.

Choose a place for the container that is well lit, but not in the sun. If daylight is still short, turn on a fluorescent lamp in the evening to extend it. Wait until four to five true leaves appear, and only then start transplanting the seedlings into separate pots. Often such sprouts are planted in groups of 3. in one pot to make the bush more lush.

Diseases and other problems

Cyperus has a fairly strong immune system; the flower is resistant to various diseases and pests. Problems arise only when there are gross violations of the rules of care. Let's look at possible problems and ways to fix them.

The leaves became smaller and the color became lighter.

The plant does not have enough lighting. If this happens in winter, arrange lighting. To do this, use fluorescent, fluorescent and phyto lamps, but not heating lamps. If in the summer, find a place for the flower that is more illuminated by bright light, so that there is at least 12 hours of daylight.

Cyperus leaves turn yellow.

There may be several reasons:

1. If the flower does not have enough moisture and the air in the room is too dry, which literally burns the delicate leaves and tops of the flower, they will turn yellow or even brown. Adjust watering, let it be more frequent and abundant. Install additional humidifiers in the room. Place the flower away from heat sources. Place the pot in a pan of water so that the pot is half immersed in water - let the plant be saturated with moisture.
2. The nutritional value of the soil has been depleted. You haven’t transplanted the plant into a new substrate for a long time, you forgot about regular fertilizing during the growing season - so the soil has become unusable. Feed your pet or replant the flower in new soil.
3. The pot is too small. The roots completely filled its space in the pot, the plant became cramped. It is necessary to transplant Cyperus into a larger pot and replace the soil.

The bush or its individual parts, leaves, stems and inflorescences, began to fade.

The reason may be high ambient temperatures. It is necessary to regularly ventilate the room, monitor temperature and humidity readings. In the summer, take the plant out into the fresh air, closer to a pond, or at least onto a terrace, balcony, loggia, where a fresh breeze blows.

Cyperus has stopped growing or the rate of its development has slowed down.

The reason, again, is the lack of nutrients in the soil and the pot being too small for the flower. Most likely, it's time to change them. After changing the pot and replacing the soil in it, active growth of the plant will resume and it will have the opportunity to flower.

The leaves of the flower are covered with gray spots.

It looks like sunburn. If your flower is on the south side of the apartment in direct sunlight, then this is so. Place the pot further into the room, where the lighting is bright but slightly diffused. If this is not possible, cover the window with a light curtain or blinds.

Cyperus leaves have become soft and brown.

This happens under unfavorable growing conditions: low room temperature, musty water in trays, dry air and direct sunlight. Analyze and correct your situation. Compliance with the rules of Cyperus agricultural technology will allow you to avoid such incidents in the future.

The tips of the leaves dried out and turned brown.

Most likely, the air in the room is too dry. Spray the flower and the space around it twice a day, place the pot in a pan of water, turn on the humidifiers, and in winter, cover the heating radiators with wet towels. Do everything to increase the humidity in the room.

The stems turned yellow in winter and the leaves began to die.

It's too cold here. Cyperus does not withstand temperatures below 15 degrees. Move the pot to a warmer room. Remove damaged leaves and stems.

Massive drying of leaves.

This happens when the earthen clod dries out. You are not watering your moisture-loving flower well. Trim off any dead stems and leaves. Immerse the pot in a basin of water (settled, at room temperature, you can add growth stimulants Epin or Zircon there).

In an adult plant, old leaves began to turn yellow and dry out.

This is a normal process characteristic of many plants. Cut off the yellow stems at the root and wait for young shoots to appear.

The roots are rotting.

This is possible at low temperatures (15 - 16 degrees), when the flower is also in a tray with cold water. Move Cyperus to a warmer place. Drain the water from the pan. Remove the bush from the pot and inspect the roots. If they are brown and soft, the flower cannot be saved. If there are light roots, remove the black and damaged ones and treat the sections with crushed coal or ash. Plant the flower in a new container with fresh substrate. Water the plant with water with the addition of the fungicide Fitosporin. We hope that the flower will recover from its illness, and in future, do not violate the rules for keeping it at home.

Pests

Cyperus has well-developed protective functions, moreover, it grows almost in water, it is constantly sprayed, washed, washing off not only dust, but also uninvited guests from its leaves. But, like any indoor plant, if the rules of their maintenance are violated, Cyperus can be attacked by insect pests such as thrips, spider mites, whiteflies, scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids.

Conclusion

Cyperus is a very beautiful plant. It will not only decorate your home, but will also cleanse it of negative energy and will replace a household humidifier and air purifier. Papyrus hardly gets sick and lives a long time. The flower reproduces easily and is not difficult to care for. We hope that we have convinced you of the need to purchase and grow Cyperus in your home. It will not cause you much trouble and will bring you joy and pleasure.

Cyperus (lat. Cyperus), rosemary or “indoor papyrus”, “Venus grass” or “alternate sedge” refers to a large genus of perennial herbaceous plants of the Sedge family, including more than 600 species.

Under natural conditions it is found in the tropics and subtropics, in Africa. Cyperus is a moisture-loving plant, therefore, when growing indoors, you will need to create similar conditions.

Description

In nature you can find species reaching 3 m in height; low varieties are common in indoor floriculture.

On the triangular, erect stems of the plant there are whorls in the form of an umbrella. The long, thin leaves come in varying shades of green. Thanks to breeding work, variegated varieties are found in indoor floriculture.

Cyperus blooms with attractive flowers that peek out from the axils of the leaves.

Indoor cyperus – unpretentious, hardy plant, which is used to decorate poorly lit areas of the room.

Kinds

More than 600 species are known and only some of them can be grown indoors.

Cyperus graceful. Cyperus gracilis

This is a dwarf indoor flower grows up to 30 cm in height and can decorate small spaces.

Cyperus variegata. Cyperus variegatus

One of the varieties of alternate-leaved cyperus. The leaves are narrow, pointed, long, curved. Numerous stripes are scattered across the entire surface of the foliage.

Cyperus Papyrus. Cyperus papirus

Perennial. Under natural conditions, it can be found along the banks of swamps in Egypt and Ethiopia. The leaves are huge and hang beautifully from the whorls. The inflorescences consist of several flowers located in the axils of the leaves.

Cyperus spreading. Cyperus diffusus

A tall species, reaching a height of 90 cm. There are few stems, but there are a lot of leaves located in the root zone. The foliage is 1.5 cm wide and 30 cm long.

Cyperus alternate-leaved. Cyperus alfernifolius

The umbrella plant at home reaches 1.5 m in height. These include the common Pharaoh variety. However, there are dwarf varieties that do not exceed 35-40 cm.

At the top of the graceful stems there are whorls. The leaves are pointed, narrow, curved.

Cyperus Zumula

This plant is sometimes called “fountain” or “cyperus for cats”, which love to feast on it. Zumula loves soil and air moisture. Grows both in pots and in home ponds.

This species cannot exist without water. At home, you can grow it in an aquarium, decorating the rear view of the composition with it.

Growing and care

To get a beautiful plant with rich green foliage, you need to know the rules for growing cyperus at home.

Light

Under natural growing conditions, Cyperus basks in the direct rays of the sun all day.

In room conditions it is necessary to provide him diffuse lighting.

When grown on a southern windowsill during the daytime, it is necessary to shade the plant so that it does not get burned.

It is better to grow on windowsills on the eastern, northern and western sides.

In winter, the plant needs additional lighting so that the daylight hours have a total duration of at least 8 hours.

Temperature

In winter, if it is not possible to provide additional light to the plant, you will need to reduce watering; in summer, watering should be plentiful.

Humidity

A moisture-loving umbrella plant needs high humidity, not lower than 70%. It is recommended to carry out water procedures from time to time, washing the foliage from dust and dirt, as well as spray the plant.

To maintain constant humidity, you need to place a container of water next to the pot, hang wet towels on the radiators in winter, or buy a decorative fountain.

Watering

Cyperus does not like wetlands, but will die in dry soil. To control the amount of moisture, it is recommended to water the plant in a tray.

Soil and fertilizing

Sitnik loves fertile soils. In spring it is necessary to apply complex mineral fertilizer. Subsequent fertilizing is carried out with the same fertilizers at intervals of once every 2 weeks, or once a month.

Attention! When preparing a nutrient solution, you will need to dilute the specified amount in water in a concentration 3 times less than what is written in the instructions.

During the winter you can only feed cyperus 1-2 times.

Transfer

Young plants are replanted annually, adult specimens - once every 2-3 years and as needed.

Cyperus is an unpretentious plant, so it can be replanted at any time of the year.

Despite the fact that the rush plant is moisture-loving, it is still worth adding drainage to the bottom of the pot.

Expanded clay should occupy ¼ of the growing container.

Since Cyperus has a shallow root system, the container should be wide, but not deep.

You need to replant in a nutritious soil mixture with a neutral reaction.

Methods for preparing soil at home

1. You need to take 1 part of high-moor peat, one part of humus and 1/6 of swamp silt.
2. Mix one part of leaf soil with one part of river sand, one part of peat and two parts of clay-turf soil.

Reproduction

At home, you can use several methods to propagate Cyperus:

• seed propagation;
• propagation by rosettes;
• rhizome division.

Cyperus from seeds at home

The seed is planted in a soil mixture made up of sand and peat. After filling the container with substrate, the surface should be lightly compacted and sprayed with a spray bottle.

After distributing the seeds over the surface, the container is placed in a bag, creating greenhouse conditions for it.

From time to time you need to ventilate the plantings and moisten them with summer water. When small plants have 2 true leaves, you need to plant them in separate containers. For good growth you need place in a well-lit place and water as the earthen clod dries.

Propagation by leaf rosettes

Sometimes, young rosettes appear in the center of old “umbrellas”. They should be cut so as to capture part of the stem. Plant with the umbrella down and the stem up. Yes, just the opposite. Soon new young plants will appear.

Cuttings

You can root cuttings in water in the same way. When the umbrella itself is cut, part of the foliage is cut off so that the cutting can fit in the glass and does not take up excess energy. Roots appear very quickly and the plant can be transplanted into the soil.

Propagation by tubers

When the time comes to transplant adult specimens, you can divide the tubers and plant them in several pots. All manipulations are carried out only with clean tools, and the cut areas are sprinkled with crushed coal.

Possible problems

The main problem that gardeners face when growing cyperus at home is the curling and drying of the tips of the leaves.

To solve the problem, it is necessary to monitor soil moisture, since drying of foliage is associated with lack of moisture in the soil.

If there is not enough light, the foliage may fade and become smaller.

Pests

The most dangerous insects are the following: spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, whiteflies.

Symptoms of pest infestation:

• when examining the edges of the leaves, punctures are clearly visible;
• a white cobweb becomes noticeable in the internodes and under the leaf blade;
• leaves become deformed and turn yellow;
• the presence of sticky plaque and whitish spots on the leaves of the plant.

If insects are detected, it is recommended to treat the plants with folk remedies: a solution of laundry soap, infusion of alcohol. It is necessary to treat with chemicals only if folk remedies did not give a positive result.

Signs and superstitions

Popular beliefs say that the elegant umbrella plant is used not only to decorate rooms, but also gives positive energy. Cyperus protects household members from various troubles.

On a note! By growing cyperus at home, you can protect yourself from lies, bad intentions, and deception. In addition, its cultivation is recommended for people prone to depression.

The umbrella plant helps improve sleep quality. There must be a pot of cyperus in the bedroom if the owners suffer from insomnia, are tormented, and cannot sleep.

Cyperus is undemanding to growing conditions, so even with minimal requirements it can be successfully grown at home. Cyperus is used to decorate the surface of the aquarium, and the Helfera variety is planted in combination with other aquatic plants.